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Cardiosport vs Polar
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Hubby is getting me a HRM for xmas.
I haven't tried one before. We went to Sweatshop yesterday to look. They're getting in a cardiosport ? Go for me to look at next weekend.I'm also considering a Polar A5 (both models apparently have backlight and zone alarm which I need). Cardiosport is much cheaper, tho'
How do the brands compare? Is the Polar worth the extra £35, when the features seem to be very similar.
Any advice gratefully received.
I haven't tried one before. We went to Sweatshop yesterday to look. They're getting in a cardiosport ? Go for me to look at next weekend.I'm also considering a Polar A5 (both models apparently have backlight and zone alarm which I need). Cardiosport is much cheaper, tho'
How do the brands compare? Is the Polar worth the extra £35, when the features seem to be very similar.
Any advice gratefully received.
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Comments
You might find you never use it (although i use mine all the time) Not sure how compatible they are with Gym machines but if you're just using it outside it shouldn't be a problem (or you could just look at your wrist.
The biggest feature for me is the size of the numbers on the screen so that I can see them easier while training.
I started with a polar M21 but when that broken after dropping it went all out and bought the S610i a lovely bit of kit if I do say so myself.
I have to admit my instinct is to go for the cheaper one- as you say I don't even know how I'll get on using a heart rate monitor.
I only run outdoors- and often in the dark, hence the need for a backlight.
I will check out the digit size tho'
If you ever run with people who also get HRM it is worth getting a digital monitor straight off, otherwise you end up seeing their heart rate all the time, negating the ue of the thing entirely. I started with an analogue Polar, which was OK, went to a Analogue Suunto, which is great. My g/f has a Digital polar, so we have to run with her on my right otherwise I pick up her HR signal on my Suunto. I now have a Timex which is digital and have no problems. Avoid Timex if you want to use it in the gym - Analogue Cardiosport and Polar produce the same signal and POlar is the one that is used by most machines which have a link up!
yes, the digital ones send out an analogue signal as well. most gym machines are analogue, so will pick up all signals around.
I have in the past had a cardiosport and a Suunto but both I found to give inaccurate readings at times - something I seldom experience with the Polar.
I find that my cardiosport works with the gym equipment in my local gym (lifestyles and powertrak equipment), although it does effect the treadmill on each side as well as mine, but that's not a problem as most people don't use a HRM in our gym.
When running in a group, if you run closely with your mates, there may be some interference, but there are several of us at my club, and we find that as long as we keep about 12 inches of space between us and hold our wrists in front of us to see the monitor we are ok.
I'm going to go for the cardiosport I think. It seems the more sensible option at this stage.
cheers